Modular and customizable photographic equipment packing system

ABSTRACT

An adaptable and transferable backpacking system that is particularly suited for safe and efficient transportation of photographic equipment. The backpacking system is designed to eliminate unneeded weight and bulk, protect equipment when the backpack itself is open, and to prevent equipment from falling from an unzipped backpack. The backpack system generally includes a plurality of light-weight receptacles for the equipment the user needs for a specific trip and a backer board. The backer board is removably mounted and secured within a backpack of the user&#39;s choice. The individual receptacles are operably coupled to a backer board and/or each other and arranged to the user&#39;s desire by an attachment means, such as a hook and loop system.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/690,954, filed Jun. 16, 2005, and entitled “ADAPTABLE ANDTRANSFERABLE PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT BACKPACKING SYSTEM,” which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to equipment packing andcarriers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modularand customizable equipment packing system that is easily transferableamong different bags and backpacks, such as for the safe and efficienttransport of photographic equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field photography generally requires the transport of expensive,delicate, and often heavy equipment to the locations where photographswill be taken. Frequently, the photographer will transfer photographicequipment such as, for example, camera bodies, a selection of lenses,tripods, accessories, film, and the like. In some situations, thephotographic equipment can weigh in excess of fifty pounds. Often times,the transport is over challenging terrain, such as rocky, uneventerrain, making the use of a backpack or other carrier an effectivemeans of transporting the equipment.

A variety of backpack systems designed for a variety of uses iscommercially available. Commercially available backpack systems includeshoulder packs designed to carry schoolbooks, and expedition packsdesigned for extended expeditions. The distribution of the cargo weighton the user is dependent upon the placement of the carrying straps. Forexample, a shoulder strap on a school bag transfers the cargo weight tothe user's shoulder and back. A waist belt on an expedition pack is wornon the shelf of a backpacker's hips to transfer the cargo weight to theuser's hips, easing the strain on the user's shoulders and back. Inaddition, an expedition pack of lightweight design utilizes internalframes and lightweight materials.

Backpacks specifically designed for photographic equipment are alsocommercially available. These backpacks generally consist of loopmaterial encasing integrated foam for protection of the photographicequipment. The user is able to partition the bag into smallercompartments through the use of foam-filled dividers that grip the loopmaterial on the inside of the bag.

However, there are a number of significant disadvantages with thesebackpacks. The backpacks tend to be heavy because of the integratedfoam, often weighing as much as seven pounds before the addition ofequipment. The backpacks are generally not designed for optimum weightredistribution. There is often no room for supplies in addition to thephotographic equipment. When the backpack is open, the equipment insideis exposed to various environmental elements including dust, rain,humidity, debris, and the like. Finally, if the backpack is opened whenmoved about, the equipment may be expelled and damaged or lost.

It is desirable to have a backpack system that may be integrated intoand easily moved from one standard expedition pack to another as thedemands of the trip dictate. In addition, protection from environmentalelements such as dust, rain, humidity, debris, and the like is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a modular and customizableequipment packing system that is easily transferable among differentbags and backpacks, such as for the safe and efficient transport ofphotographic equipment. The packing system is designed to reduce weightand bulk, to protect equipment when a backpack or other carrier in whichthe packing system is fitted is open, and to prevent equipment fromfalling from an unzipped or unsecured backpack or carrier. The packingsystem can be used interchangeably with a variety of commerciallyavailable backpacks, bags, and cases. The packing system generallyincludes a backer board and a plurality of light-weight receptacles tohouse and protect various pieces of equipment. The backer board can beremovably mounted and secured within a carrier of a user's choice, suchas a backpack. The individual receptacles can then be removably securedto the backer board and/or each other, arranged in any convenientconfiguration to suit a user's preferences.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a modular andcustomizable equipment transport apparatus. The apparatus can be usedwith a variety of equipment and may be well-suited for the storage andtransportation of various photographic lenses and equipment. Theapparatus can comprise a backer board and at least one receptacleadapted to be removably secured to the backer board. The backer boardcomprises one of a hook material or a loop material of a hook and loopattachment system, and each receptacle can comprise the other of thehook material and loop material. The receptacle thus can be removablysecured to the backer board and/or other receptacles and mounted in abackpack or other carrier.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a methodfor transporting photographic or other equipment. A backer board can beremovable secured within a carrier by an anchoring system, wherein thebacker board comprises a first portion of an attachment system. An itemcan be placed within at least one receptacle comprising anequipment-containing area, a lid, and a second portion of the attachmentsystem, and the receptacle can be removably secured to the backer boardby engaging the first and second portions of the attachment system

In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to amodular and customizable backpacking system for use with photographicequipment. The system can comprise a carrier, such as a front-accessbackpack, a backer board removably mounted within the carrier by ananchoring system, and at least one receptacle adapted to be removablypositioned upon the backer board. In one embodiment, a loop material ofa hook and loop attachment system can be affixed to at least a portionof one of the backer board and each receptacle, with a correspondinghook material affixed to the other of the backer board and receptacle.The receptacle can then be removably secured to the backer board.

The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe eachillustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention.The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularlyexemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adaptable and transferable backpacksystem according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a backer board according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a backer board according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an anchoring clamp system according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a receptacle according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of another receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of another receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of another receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5E is a perspective view of another receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5F is a perspective view of another receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5G is a perspective view of another receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5H is a perspective view of another receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a lens configuration according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a receptacle according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular and customizable packingsystem according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, a modular and customizable packing system 50 can beused in combination with a carrier 10. Carrier 10 can comprise abackpack, bag, suitcase, roller case, hard case, or some other similarsuitable carrier. The adaptable and transferable backpack system can beused in a variety of commercially available backpacks and suitcases,such as a backpack with front access and a comfortable weightdistribution system.

Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, modular and customizable packing system50 comprises a backer board 100, a backer board anchoring system 200,and at least one receptacle 300. Backer board 100 has a first side 100 aand a second side 100 b and can comprise a lightweight rigid orsemi-rigid stiffening substrate such as, for example, cardboard, tagboard, plastic, and other suitable materials. In one embodiment of theinvention, backer board 100 can be die-cut to fit a specific backpack.In another embodiment of the invention, backer board 100 can beconfigured for use with a variety of commercially available backpacksand other carriers without requiring modification of backer board 100.

Backer board 100 can be inserted into and removably anchored withincarrier 10 by an anchoring system 200. Anchoring system 200 cancomprise, for example, a fabric anchoring clamp system, a bayonet clip,a penetrating pin assembly, a hook and loop strip, parachute cord ties,laces, ties, and other suitable anchoring systems. In one embodiment asdepicted in FIG. 2, anchoring system 200 can comprise at least one tieor lace affixed to second surface 100 b of backer board 100. The lacescan be affixed directly to first surface 100 a and/or second surface 100b of backer board 100 and/or to board attachment member 102 or can bethreaded through or tied to backer board 100. The laces of anchoringsystem 200 can be secured to any area of carrier 10 that sufficientlyprovides for secure mounting of backer board 100 within carrier 10.

In an alternative embodiment, and referring to FIG. 4, anchoring system200 comprises a fabric anchoring clamp system comprising a threaded postscrew 202, at least one cushion 204 such as, for example, a neoprenecushion, foam cushion, and the like, and a pressure plate 206. Screw 202comprises a head portion 202 a and a threaded post 202 b. Threaded post202 b of screw 202 can be inserted at any location on backer board 100.Cushion 204 a can be placed on threaded post 202 b, sandwiching backerboard 100 between cushion 204 a and head portion 202 a of screw 202.Threaded post 202 b can then be inserted through the material of carrier10 (not shown in FIG. 4). In an alternative embodiment, backer board 100can comprise a series of apertures through which threaded screw 202 canbe passed. A second cushion 204 b can be placed on threaded post 202 b,sandwiching carrier 10 between each cushion 204 a and 204 b. Threadedpost 202 b can then be inserted in pressure plate 206 to form a secure,non-damaging and removable anchor for the assemblage. In someembodiments, the clamp system can comprise more or fewer than twocushions 204 a and 204 b.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, packing system 50 further comprises anattachment system that includes a board attachment member 102. Boardattachment member 102 can be either permanently or temporarily securedto at least a portion of backer board 100 by a suitable joiningtechnique, such as, for example, sewing, adhesive joining, molding,flame laminating, zipping, snapping, tying, buttoning, and otherappropriate joining techniques. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, board attachment member 102 comprises one of a loop materialor a hook material of a hook and loop system, such as VELCRO, on atleast first surface 100 a of backer board 100.

The attachment system removably secures one or more receptacles 300 ofpacking system 50 to backer board 100. Referring also to FIGS. 5A, 5B,and 6, receptacles 300 can comprise a variety of shapes andconfigurations to suit a variety of equipment and items such as, in thecase of photographic equipment, large format lenses, round lenses,camera bodies, filters, flash units, film, caps, meters, memory cardsand sticks, and the like. Receptacles 300 may therefore be cubic,rectangular, cylindrical, oblong, and other suitable shapes. Receptacles300 can also be specifically shaped and sized to house and protectspecific pieces or brands of equipment. Receptacles 300 can comprisecardboard, composite fabrics and materials, plastic, foam board, metal,and other suitable materials that provide light-weight yet ruggedfeatures. For example, the particular material or materials ofreceptacles 300 can be selected to suit particular types of equipment. Afirst receptacle 300 could therefore comprise a lightweight fabric andfoam covered metal for a relatively fragile and expensive lens, while asecond receptacle 300 could comprise a fabric pouch for plastic filmcanisters. Depending on the particular material(s), features, andconfigurations, receptacles 300 can be formed by sewing, molding,thermoforming, pressing, and other suitable manufacturing methods.

Referring to FIG. 5B, receptacle 300 comprises a cubic configurationhaving four sides 302, a top 304, and a bottom 306, defining anequipment-receiving area 303 and a lid 305 in one embodiment. Sides 302,top 304, and bottom 306 can comprise the same size to form a cube, orcan comprise different sizes. For example, sides 302 can comprise asmaller area than top 304 and bottom 306 to create a thinner,space-saving receptacle.

Alternate embodiments of receptacles 300 are depicted in FIGS. 5C-5H,having various example rectangular and cubic configurations. To storeand carry a variety of equipment, a user may desire a plurality ofdifferently sized and configured receptacles 300. To accommodate arelatively large number of receptacles 300 on a single backer board 100in a carrier 10 as described in more detail below, space-savingreceptacles can be used. Space-saving receptacle 300 as depicted inFIGS. 5C-5H can comprise a rectangular case, for example, with sides 302of smaller or larger area than top 304 and bottom 308. Equipment, suchas a plurality of lenses, can then be configured vertically withinreceptacle 300, and within carrier 10, as depicted in FIG. 6.

Lid 305 can comprise a domed lid (FIGS. 5A and 5B) or a substantiallyflat lid (FIGS. 5C-5H). Receptacle 300 can be closed by securing lid 305to the main portion of receptacle 300 by securing means such as azipper, hook tab, lip wrap, magnet, VELCRO, clasp, snap, button, andother suitable securing means on at least one side 302. The interior oftop 304 of receptacle 300 can comprise a tray-like shape, as shown inFIG. 7. A first surface 304 a of top 304 of cubic receptacle 300 cancomprise a recessed area that acts as a tray for a camera or cameraequipment when top 304 is substantially opened. When bottom 306 of cubicreceptacle is attached to first surface 100 a of backer board 100 sothat a second surface 304 b of top 304 opens downwardly, the tray-likeshape of top 304 reduces the possibility of a dropped lens or otherequipment by acting like a tray to catch falling equipment. In oneembodiment, the interior of top 304 can comprise a foam or othershock-absorbing material to cushion items that may fall into lid 305.

With reference to the attachment system described in part above,receptacle 300 further comprises a receptacle attachment member 308adapted to removably secure receptacle 300 to backer board 100 byinterfacing with board attachment member 102. In an embodiment in whichboard attachment member 102 comprises one of a hook and loop material,receptacle attachment member 308 comprises the other of the hook andloop material. Receptacle attachment member 308 can be permanently orremovably secured to at least a portion of an exterior of receptacle 300by means of sewing, laminating of adhesive, flame-laminating, and othersuitable attachment methods. In other embodiments, receptacle attachmentmember 308 can be secured to any or all of exterior surfaces ofreceptacle 300 including top 304 and bottom 306, only one side ofreceptacle 300, a portion of at least one side of receptacle 300, or anycombination thereof. In an alternative embodiment, receptacle 300 can beconstructed entirely of the material comprising receptacle attachmentmember 308.

Referring to FIG. 5B, receptacle 300 can comprise a cylindrical shapecomprising a cylindrical body 312, lid 314, and bottom 316, defining anequipment-receiving area and a lid. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, receptacle attachment member 308 can be secured to at least aportion of cylindrical body 312 and bottom 316 by sewing, laminating,flame-laminating, and other suitable attachment methods. In otherembodiments, receptacle attachment member 308 can be secured to any orall of exterior surfaces of receptacle 300 including lid 314 and bottom316, only one surface of receptacle 300, or any combination thereof. Inan alternative embodiment, receptacle 300 can be constructed entirely orprimarily of the material of receptacle attachment member 308. Forexample, if board attachment member 102 comprises a hook material,receptacle attachment member 308 can be constructed of a correspondingloop material.

Receptacles 300 can further comprise protection means such as, forexample, non-moisture absorbing foam padding, waterproof material,desiccant material, water-proof zippers, gas-proof zippers, sealedseams, and other suitable means to protect equipment from environmentalelements such as water, dust, humidity, and the like, as well as fromgeneral jostling and movement during transport. With the addition of adesiccant material, receptacle 300 serves as a drying chamber for theequipment.

In one embodiment of the invention, receptacle 300 can comprise a label305 for identification of the equipment within, photographer or owner,contact information, and other such information. Label 307 can bepermanently affixed by sewing, adhering, and the like, or it can beremovably attached by suitable attachment systems such as, for example,hook and loop, magnets, temporary adhesive, and the like. Label 307 canbe located on either or both of an exterior or interior surface ofreceptacle 300.

Receptacle 300 can also additionally comprise a tie, bungee cord, andother suitable securing means within equipment-receiving area 303 ofreceptacle 300 to further secure the equipment within receptacle 300.Alternatively or additionally, receptacle 300 can comprise an exteriortie, bungee cord, and other suitable securing means for reducing orenlarging the general size of receptacle 300 to accommodate a widerrange of equipment.

Before or after backer board 100 is anchored to backpack or carrier 10,one or more receptacles 300 can be removably secured to first surface100 a of backer board 100 by board attachment member 102 and receptacleattachment member 308. As described above, board attachment member 102can comprise one of a hook material and a loop material and receptacleattachment member 308 can comprise the other of the hook material andthe loop material to removably couple receptacle 300 to backer board100.

In another embodiment in which a hook and loop system is used, boardattachment member 102 and receptacle attachment member 308 can comprisethe same material. In this embodiment, an interface attachment member,such as, for example, a double-sided patch of the hook material of ahook and loop system, can be used to removably couple receptacle 300 tobacker board 100 when both board attachment member 102 and receptacleattachment member 308 comprise loop material. Similarly, a double-sidedpatch of loop material can be used when both board attachment member 102and receptacle attachment member 308 comprise hook material. Otherinterface attachment member configurations can be used to accommodatevarious board attachment members 102 and receptacle attachment members308.

A plurality of receptacles 300 in a variety of shapes and sizes can bepositioned on backer board 100 and/or to each other by the attachmentsystem, arranged accordingly to meet the user's needs. Attachingreceptacles 300 to backer board 100 and/or each other keeps receptacles300 in a desired position relative to each other and allows thephotographic equipment to be situated in its most accessible positionwithin carrier 10, making it easier to locate, access, and storeequipment as needed. It also prevents the equipment from being expelledfrom receptacle 300 should a user forget to fully close carrier 10.

In another embodiment, backer board 100 is optional, and at least tworeceptacles can be secured to each other by the attachment system andthen secured within carrier 10 by anchoring system 200. In thisembodiment, each receptacle 300 can comprise two or more receptacleattachment members 308 to provide a variety of configurations. Forexample, two sides of each receptacle 300 can comprise a hook materialand two other sides can comprise a loop material such that a pluralityof modular receptacles 300 can be removably coupled to each other toform a cluster. Alternatively, interface attachment members as describedabove can be used to removably couple two or more receptacles 300 to oneanother. At least a portion of the interior of carrier 10 can optionallycomprise a hook material, a loop material, or another securing means tosecure the cluster of receptacles 300, or a single receptacle 300,within carrier 10 without backer board 100.

In yet another embodiment, combinations of the systems described abovecan be used. For example, receptacles 300 can comprise hook and/or loopmaterials such that backer board 100 is optional but available for useif desired.

In use, backer board 100 can be removably mounted within carrier 10 byanchoring system 200. Photographic or other equipment can be placedwithin an appropriate receptacle 300 in any suitable configuration andreceptacle 300 closed to secure the equipment within. Label 305 can beaffixed to receptacle 300 identifying the equipment within receptacle300. If more than one receptacle 300 is desired, two or more receptacles300 can be operably coupled to one another by an attachment systemdescribed above to form a cluster. The cluster can be then inserted intocarrier 10 and operably coupled to backer board 100. Alternatively, atleast one receptacle 300 can be individually inserted into carrier 10and coupled to backer board 100. Carrier 10 can then be closed to securereceptacles 300 and backer board 100 within carrier 10. In anotherembodiment, one or more receptacles 300 can be removably secured tobacker board 100 prior to backer board 100 being secured within carrier10.

The modular and configurable packing system offers many advantages, suchas providing increased protection by placing a material or structurebetween adjacent pieces of equipment in a backpack or bag. As aphotographer is using the equipment for taking pictures, unusedequipment remains in a closed receptacle 300, protected from dust anddebris, and is not subject to falling from receptacle 300. If receptacle300 is opened, the tray-like structure of the top of each receptaclereduces the possibility of dropped equipment. Further, only a singlereceptacle 300 need be opened to access equipment, leaving remainingequipment secured in other receptacles. Specific desired equipment canbe located by label 305 or by visual identification if receptacle 300comprises a transparent or semi-transparent material, such as a mesh,plastic, combination thereof, or other material.

For additional security and ease of access to equipment, and referringto FIG. 8, a backpack carrier 10 containing packing system 50 can alsobe coupled to a tripod 20 or other structure. Such a configurationprovides stability to tripod 20 while at the same time keeping backpack10 easily accessible yet out of dust, debris, and the like. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 8, carrier 10 can comprise an optionaltripod mounting means, such as a hook, handle, loop, or other structure.The tripod mounting means can be distinct from or integrated with atripod transport means for securing tripod 20 to carrier 10 fortransport and storage when not in use.

The modular and configurable packing system of the invention describedherein is not limited to use with photographic equipment. For example,the packing system can be used to transport camping supplies, fishingtackle and supplies, picnic supplies, sport equipment, art and craftsupplies, school supplies, and other such applications requiring safeand efficient transportation of equipment.

The invention therefore addresses and resolves many of the deficienciesand drawbacks previously identified. The invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the essential attributesthereof, therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, themodular and configurable packing system of the invention is not limitedto use in backpacks and can be used in other containers such as, forexample, suitcase, bags, handbags, and the like.

1. A modular and customizable equipment packing and transporting systemcomprising: a carrier; a backer board comprising a first side and asecond side, wherein at least a portion of the first side comprises afirst member of an attachment system, the backer board removably mountedwithin the carrier by an anchoring system; and at least one receptaclecomprising an equipment-receiving area and a lid, wherein at least aportion of an exterior of the receptacle comprises a second member ofthe attachment system, wherein the receptacle is removably andinterchangeably affixable to the first side of the backer board byengaging the first and second members of the attachment system.
 2. Thetransporting system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is selected from thegroup consisting of a backpack, a front-access backpack, a suitcase, abag, a roller case, and a hard case.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first and second attachment members each comprise the same one of ahook material and a loop material, and wherein the backer board and thereceptacle are removably coupled by a double-sided interface membercomprising the other of the hook material and the loop material.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first attachment member comprises one ofa loop material and a hook material, and wherein the second attachmentmember comprises the other of the loop material and the hook material,the loop material and the hook material adapted for removableengagement.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the anchoring systemcomprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a lace, abayonet clip, a penetrating pin assembly, a hook and loop strip, and aparachute cord tie.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptaclecomprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of:cardboard, composite fabric, plastic, metal, and foam board.
 7. Anapparatus for modular and configurable transport of equipmentcomprising: a backer board comprising a first surface and a secondsurface, wherein at least a portion of the first surface comprises afirst member of an attachment system; and at least one receptaclecomprising an equipment-receiving portion and a lid portion, wherein atleast a portion of an exterior of the receptacle comprises a secondmember of the attachment system, wherein the receptacle is removably andinterchangeably affixable to the first surface of the backer board byengaging the first and second members of the attachment system.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the backer board is removably securedwithin a carrier by an anchoring system.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the anchoring system comprises at least one selected from thegroup consisting of: at least one lace, a bayonet clip, penetrating pinassembly, hook and loop strip, and parachute cord ties.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the carrier is a front-access backpack.11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and second attachmentmembers comprise the same one of a hook material and a loop material,and wherein the backer board and the receptacle are removably coupled bya double-sided interface member comprising the other of the hookmaterial and the loop material.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7, whereinthe first attachment member comprises one of a loop material and a hookmaterial, and wherein the second attachment member comprises the otherof the loop material and the hook material, the loop material and thehook material adapted for removable engagement.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one material selectedfrom the group consisting of: cardboard, composite fabric, plastic, andfoam board.
 14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the receptacle isadapted for photographic equipment.
 15. A method of transportingequipment comprising: removably securing a backer board within a carrierby an anchoring system, wherein the backer board comprises a firstportion of an attachment system; placing an item within at least onereceptacle comprising an equipment-containing area, a lid, and a secondportion of the attachment system; and removably securing the at leastone the receptacle to the backer board by engaging the first and secondportions of the attachment system.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe step of removably mounting a backer board within a carrier furthercomprises securing the backer board to the carrier by an anchoringsystem comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: atleast one lace, a bayonet clip, penetrating pin assembly, hook and loopstrip, and parachute cord ties.
 17. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising the step of removably securing the receptacle to at least oneother receptacle.
 18. An apparatus for modular and configurabletransport of equipment comprising: a carrier comprises a firstattachment member of an attachment system; and a plurality ofreceptacles, each receptacle comprising an equipment-receiving area anda lid, wherein at least a portion of an exterior of the receptaclecomprises a second attachment member of an attachment system, whereineach receptacle is removably and interchangeably affixable to at leastone other receptacle to form a cluster by engaging corresponding secondattachment members, and wherein the cluster is removably securablewithin the carrier by engaging the first attachment member and thesecond attachment member.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein eachreceptacle comprises a plurality of second attachment members.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the first and second attachment memberscomprise one of a hook material and a loop material, and wherein thereceptacles are removably affixable to one another and to the firstattachment member by a double-sided interface member comprising theother of the hook material and the loop material.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein the second attachment members comprise either of ahook material and a loop material and the first attachment membercomprises either of a hook material and a loop material selected toremovably engage at least one second attachment member.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of receptacles areremovably and interchangeably affixable to a backer board, the backerboard comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein at leasta portion of the first surface comprises an attachment member adapted toremovably engage the second attachment members, and wherein the carrieris adapted to removable secure the backer board.